Zelensky honored at Auschwitz liberation anniversary ceremony
Volodymyr Zelensky was one of dozens of foreign government representatives who attended the ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau camp. When the President of Ukraine laid the memorial candle, applause broke out. On his way back to his seat, he had the opportunity to speak with Holocaust survivors.
President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Krakow on Monday to participate in the ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The central ceremonies began at 10:00 AM in Auschwitz, featuring speeches by survivors. The official part of the celebrations concluded with the ceremonial placing of memorial candles and paying tribute to the victims by survivors and heads of state and organization delegations. They placed candles by a railway car, similar to those used to deport prisoners to their deaths.
An unusual scene
Among the dozens of state representatives was the President of Ukraine. When Volodymyr Zelensky laid the memorial candle, a moving scene occurred. The President approached with other delegates, but when it was his turn, the haunting music accompanying the ceremony was interrupted by applause.
This was not the only symbolic moment. Upon returning to his place, Zelensky was beckoned by survivors waving at him, with whom he shared a heartfelt exchange of words. They also exchanged gestures that appeared to show support.
Personal experiences
Volodymyr Zelensky was born on January 25, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, to a family of Ukrainian Jews.
Zelensky's family experienced tragic events during World War II. His great-grandfather and three of his grandfather's brothers were murdered during the Holocaust. Volodymyr's grandfather, Semion (Szymon) Zelensky, served as an officer in the Red Army during the war. In 2020, during the 75th anniversary celebrations of the liberation of Auschwitz, President Zelensky told his family's story, emphasizing that three of his grandfather's four brothers were killed by the Nazis, and the surviving brother eventually led to Volodymyr's birth.
January 27 is observed as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On this day 80 years ago, the Red Army liberated Auschwitz camp. It has become a symbol of the crimes committed by the Germans against the Jews, about 1 million of whom were exterminated at this place. It is also a place of martyrdom for Poles, Romani, and people of other nationalities.
